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An Island Where Too Many Can't Swim

Jamaica is surrounded by water, yet an estimated 60% of Jamaicans cannot swim. Every year, preventable drownings claim lives โ€” many of them children. The Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica is launching Learn to Swim, a free programme targeting primary school children in parishes with the highest drowning rates.

How It Works

Certified instructors will deliver 10-session courses at public pools and supervised beach sites in six parishes: St. James, Clarendon, St. Catherine, Portland, St. Ann, and Kingston. Each child receives a swimsuit, goggles, and a water-safety booklet. Parents attend a mandatory orientation on water awareness.

Budget Breakdown

  • Instructor fees (30 instructors ร— 10 weeks) โ€” J$1,200,000
  • Pool and venue rental โ€” J$500,000
  • Equipment and swimwear โ€” J$400,000
  • Transportation for rural schools โ€” J$250,000
  • Insurance and safety equipment โ€” J$150,000

This programme saves lives. It also builds a pipeline for competitive swimming โ€” Jamaica has never won an Olympic swimming medal, and we believe the talent is out there, just untrained.

Risks & challenges

<p>Pool availability in rural parishes is limited. We have confirmed access to facilities in all six parishes but some locations may require schedule adjustments. Weather can affect beach-based sessions; we have indoor backup plans for every site.</p>

This campaign offers open donations โ€” no reward tiers.

Instructor Recruitment Complete โ€” 30 Certified Coaches Ready 12 April 2026
<p>We have recruited and certified 30 swimming instructors across all 6 parishes. Each instructor holds a Royal Life Saving Society qualification and has completed our child safeguarding training. Pool access is confirmed in St. James, Clarendon, St. Catherine, and Kingston. Still finalising Portland and St. Ann venues โ€” we need more funding to lock those in. Every donation counts!</p>
M
Marcia Edwards Apr 9

I lost a nephew to drowning in Portland two years ago. He was 9 years old. Please, please fund this programme. No more children should die because they never learned to swim.

M
Marcia Edwards

In memory of my nephew. No more drownings.

J$20,000
Apr 9